Golden Facebook group attracts 400 volunteers looking to help during COVID-19

For Golden, the global COVID-19 pandemic has brought the community together to support each other.

The community mentality to do good and be good to each other is on full display on Facebook, where a public group titled “Golden volunteers during COVID 2020” has amassed more than 400 members in just under three weeks.

The group, which seeks to help those who are isolated due to COVID, is a forum for community members to post their availability to volunteer their time to help those who do not feel safe to journey out or are under quarantine. Members have volunteered to deliver groceries, run errands and are sharing recipes and home workouts to help support each other during a hard time.

“The overall response has been overwhelming and it’s amazing how everyone has come together and grown as a community to look out for and help one another,” said Michelle Hunter, one of the admins and founders of the group.

“I am so excited for when the times comes that we can come back out and meet some of the people that we have met through this scary time of uncertainty online.”

Hunter, who hails from Alberta but lives part-time in Parson with the intent of moving here full time eventually, was inspired by the similar groups she saw popping up across Alberta. She noticed that there was no such group in Golden as of yet and decided to get the ball rolling herself.

Hunter doesn’t like to take credit for the idea, instead, she likes to emphasize that it’s the community and it’s response to COVID-19 that has allowed the group to take off.

“I just wanted something positive for a change and to make sure everyone was staying safe and healthy,” said Hunter.

“One of the best things has been the participation. People are looking for a way to help, which is what this is all about.”

As a primary care paramedic in Alberta, Hunter knows the importance of ensuring that staying home and self-isolating is accessible to all to help flatten the curve.

The group is also passing along information by posting updates from the Physicians of Golden whenever they become available.

Those looking to get involved or who are looking for help are welcome to join the group on Facebook.